Pandemic Changes…
It is said it takes a minimum of 21 days to form a habit. However, for a new behaviour to become automatic it can take up to 66 days. Twenty one days of lockdown are to be extended for another three weeks. It will indeed be a long time till we step out of home.
Long enough for new habits to be formed ..
A Covid free world is a possibility, once an effective vaccine is produced for mass use, which may take more than a year, as per predictions.
Till then, life will slowly limp back to a new normal and people will start moving out, some more cautiously, others with a superficial bravado, always fearful of crowds, shaking hands or attending large gatherings.
People reacted differently to the national lockdown. For some the novelty was enjoyable, whilst others were fearful of the consequences on their businesses. There being no other way out, people were coerced into co- operating and stayed at home. They devised ways of working from home and still achieving redefined targets and goals.
Funny, how you crave for more time at home or holidays, your entire working life. The lockdown more than fulfilled that desire, for some the quantity of time with each other was a bonus. For others the restrictions on movement was very difficult, bringing out the worst in them and causing stress in families. The new routine within the boundaries of home, spending time with all, helping in household chores, doing jobs hitherto unknown like ordering and fetching grocery, medicine and being in constant proximity has been a challenge for many.
The absence of household help, people to run errands for you and lack of socialising were new habits to be formed for most. Freedom of movement which we took for granted, was now not a right we could exercise. This was the most difficult habit to break and caused a number of people sleepless nights.
Fortunately, many of us adjusted well to this new routine. A person used to stepping out daily, I accepted the lockdown positively, knowing that it was essential for our and others safety.
I have found numerous ways to stay busy, and be gainfully occupied. I have sorted out my cupboards, cleaned parts of the house that were previously overlooked, baked cakes and made dishes that I never found time to do earlier.
I am more aware of the various sounds; birds chirping and calling out. I look up at the sky each evening, noticing the moon and counting the stars. Memories of my simple unadulterated childhood, opting to sleep on the terrace during summers, falling asleep staring at the stars at night, makes me young and full of hope and optimism once again.
I realise life is a mystery and the secrets and answers are up there in the sky, the wind, the clouds, and in nature.
If you decide to be positive no situation is an ordeal. The right attitude, gratitude, and hobbies keep you busy. Technology comes to your aid, and staying in communication with loved ones gives you strength and keeps loneliness at bay.
I now have new habits, and I get up all energised for my day at home. I have a routine, a list of things I need to do, be it as mundane as applying a face mask, oiling my hair or giving myself a good pedicure. I am self reliant, depending on no one and have in the process become healthier and more active. I eat sensibly, no indulgences at restaurants and the lack of pollution has resulted in me finally breathing clean air in my city. My dependence on inhalers is minimum.
This year, will be tough for people all over the world. Even if and when lockdowns are lifted, the fear of Covid 19 will prevent us from going back to our old routines.
The lockdown, not only gave governments time to prepare but also for people to get used to and change habits. From fear, to acceptance , appreciation of health workers and people willing to risk their lives for us, has made us more humane. The significance of money has been reduced substantially.
We as a community have become more conscious of people’s suffering. People who were unmindful of the plight of the worst hit segment of the society, are now reaching out to them in many ways be it donations, supplying grocery, food, medicines and providing shelters.
A friend told me how her brother who had ordered grocery, finally got the answer to a question which had plagued him for life. He now knows that chickens come before eggs thanks to Tesco. His delivery of eggs is still pending!
Humour and laughter, are very important to take us away from the grim reality we are all living through. It is not frivolous to think of doing crazy things once this lockdown is over. We all need to focus on something that makes us happy and takes us away from the reality. I recently read about a famous cricketeer, stating that once the lockdown was over, he planned not to return home for as many days as he had spent in lockdown.
Will things come back to normal this year ?
I should hope so …
I, for sure will not be the same person. No more visits to malls, restaurants, movies, and avoidable travel. No frivolous shopping, buying of endless clothes or mindless galavanting.
I would rather go to parks, forests, enjoy hikes and appreciate nature. I will never ever take anyone or anything ever for granted again as I now know that life is constantly evolving, and coming up with surprises and challenges for humans.
I also know that nothing is insurmountable and as long as we have life, challenges will keep coming our way. Habits should be our tool for victory and we must never be rigid as it often leads to failure.
Who moved my cheese ?
The Lockdown did …
